The story
The E-7 Wedgetail is an airborne early-warning and control jet built on the 737-700, named for Australia's wedge-tailed eagle. Its fixed 'top hat' radar sweeps for aircraft and ships in every direction. Australia flies it, Turkey and South Korea followed, and the RAF is using it to fill the gap its retired E-3 Sentries left.
Its fixed MESA radar antenna can scan 360 degrees electronically — no spinning radome required, unlike the older E-3 Sentry.
Quick answers
How do you identify a E-7 Wedgetail?
737 airframe with a tall, flat 'top hat' radar on the upper rear fuselage and small ventral fins under the tail.
How many people does the E-7 Wedgetail carry?
Typical configuration: 2 pilots plus mission crew at 10 battle-manager workstations.
How far can the E-7 Wedgetail fly?
Range is about 3,500 nmi.
How big is the E-7 Wedgetail?
It is 110 ft 4 in long and 117 ft 2 in across the wings.
When did the E-7 Wedgetail first fly?
Its first flight was in 2004.
How many E-7 Wedgetails have been built?
15+ built.
How rare is a E-7 Wedgetail in Bogey?
LEGENDARY. The top tier. Spotters plan trips around a catch like this. Your first E-7 Wedgetail catch is worth 1,000 points.
